Sekirov Dictionary

ad lib

/æd ˈlɪb/

verb 5
adverb 4
adjective 2
noun 2
forms 7

verb5

To perform without a script.
To perform without preparation.
•
To perform extemporaneously.
- She ad libbed the rest of the scene.
To perform ad libs; to improvise lyrics after the main lyrics have been recorded.
To perform (lyrics) as ad libs.

adverb4

At pleasure.
Extemporaneously.
At will.
•
As much as desired, to one's fill, without restriction.
- For one thing I had a splendid supper when I got on board—a whack of cold, lean beef and pighells, bread, butter ad lib., tea, and plenty of good bread. — 1951

adjective2

•
Extemporaneous, impromptu.
- We were shocked to learn that the entire show was an ad lib performance. How did they weave it together so expertly on the fly?
•
That provides as much as each one desires, to each one's fill, without restriction.
- ad lib feed
- All hens in the laying house have ad lib access to feed.

noun2

An instance of something improvised, especially a line.
Improvised vocals added after the main vocals have been recorded which serve to emphasize the rhythm or fill the lyrical bar line.

forms

ad libbed · ad libbing · ad-libbing · ad libs · ad-libs · more ad lib · most ad lib

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